Howard Major Barnes

Mr. Barnes was born 5 February 1925 in Dallas, Texas. He had 12 Sisters and two brothers. Upon his 18th birthday, Mr. Barnes entered the U.S. Army and served various assignments in the South Pacific, Far East and Europe during World War II and the Korean War.

While serving in New Guinea, Mr. Barnes was separated from his unit behind enemy lines. After ten days he was safely reunited with his unit. Following service with the Army, Mr. Barnes joined the Army-Air Corps. One of his most distinguished assignments was on General MacArthur's staff.

Mr. Barnes later went on to be a member of the newly established U.S. Air Force. Of interesting note, even though he adamantly refused to discuss specific details, Mr. Barnes was a member of select group involved with "Fat Man” the bomb that destroyed Nagasaki.

After separation from the Armed Forces, Mr. Barnes settled in the Los Angeles area. He was an accountant in various industries, including the motion picture film industry, and a stage actor in various productions.

Mr. Barnes was known as one of the most unique baseball coaches at Shadow Ranch Park during the late 1970’s. Amazingly dedicated, coaching both of his sons teams, he often had little time for anything else during baseball season.

Mr. Barnes is survived by his wife Joan, two sons, Tom and David, two sisters, Tina and Bobbi, a niece, Pat, and five grandchildren, Tim, Allie, Brach, Danny and Caitlyn.

A graveside Funeral Service, with full military honors, is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2011- 11:00 AM at the San Fernando Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary, Canoga Park, CA